Proposal for Side Event Contribution of Science, Technology and Innovation in promoting human rights (The Social Forum of the Human Rights Council, 02 - 03 November 2023)

Introduction

Science and technology are critical to achieving internationally agreed development goals, such as eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, fighting disease, improving education and addressing the challenges of climate change. They have also proven to be an important means for countries to improve productivity and competitiveness and create decent jobs. The contribution of science and technology to development goals can be accelerated if gender considerations are taken into account. For example, better access to and use of existing technologies and better products that meet women’s needs can increase women’s efficiency in performing productive and other tasks. Acquiring science and technology education and training can empower women in all aspects of their lives.

Objectives

The event aims to raise awareness among all stakeholders, including government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations and human rights agencies. It is also a platform for a continuous exchange of views and experiences between all relevant actors and stakeholders on the multiple impacts of science and technology on human rights. The conference has the following objectives:

        Discuss the impact of science and technology on the right to development and the achievement of the SDGs in general, and the challenges involved,

        Achievements and challenges regarding the contribution of science and technology for women;

Topics

·        The role of science and technology in the advancement of women worldwide;

·        Presenting successful models of women entrepreneurs in science and technology;

·        Exploring the challenges for women in science and technology in developing countries;

·        The impact of science and technology on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities;

·        Exploring global strategies to address the obstacles ahead;

·        The negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the right to access information and technology.

Keynote speaker

Mr. Rouhollah Dehghani Firouzabadi, Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-based Economy

Speakers

-         Ms. Alena Douhan, Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures and the Enjoyment of all Human Rights

-         Mr. Peter Bille Larsen, Senior Lecturer, Université de Genève

-         Dr. Biparva, University Lecturer

Panellist: Ms. Maryam Safari, Director of the Institute for Protection of Women's Rights

Format:

The panel discussion will be limited to one hour. The opening statements and initial presentations by the panelist will be followed by a two-part interactive discussion from the speakers. We'll have a question and answer session at the end.

Name of requesting organization:

Iranian Elite Research Center

Institute for Sustainable Development

Institute for Protection of Women’s Rights

Contact Persons:

Mohsen Shirdel; Director of the institute; Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.

Maryam Safari: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.

E-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.

Title of the Side Event:

Contribution of Science, Technology and Innovation in promoting human rights after the Pandemic

Dates & times:

3 November 2023

13:00 – 14:00

Venue: Room XXVIII Palais des Nations, Geneva , Switzerland